For the past two years we have been building Goldenseal Pro on Macs running OS 10.11 (El Capitan). Occasionally we test it on newer OS versions.
A few weeks ago we began to update the actual build computers. That means using newer versions of Xcode (Apple’s software-development app), running on the matching, newer OS. The app also uses newer versions of the SDK (Software Developer’s Kit).
To create Goldenseal Pro, Xcode starts with our source code (about 2500 C++ and Objective-C files). It converts the text into machine language, then adds Apple’s code from the SDK. It then links everything together to make the final app. Altogether, it’s a complicated process. Luckily, once it’s set up we can just change text, then hit the Run command. During productive programming, that happens 50 or 100 times per day.
Apple moves fast. Since 2012, they have released a new OS and SDK every September +/-. Each new release adds a few features, and fixes some old bugs. Unfortunately, new versions also remove a few old/deprecated features, and add new bugs.
Along with the OS, Xcode also evolves. Sometimes the interface that we see changes, as does the compiler which translates source code to machine language. Sometimes bug fixes, sometimes new bugs.
With all the changes in basic frameworks and tools, it’s not surprising to discover problems when we update the build OS.
At present, Goldenseal Pro does well when built with OS 10.12 (Sierra). The main window display has a few cosmetic glitches, but those are caused by layout errors that we are fixing now. Sierra is more fussy, but that’s a good thing.
We also can build with OS 10.13 (High Sierra). Most things work, but the app crashes after switching tabs in the main window. Lots of things break Cocoa, so it’s possible that fixing the minor display issues will also fix the crashes. We’ll see about that soon.
OS 10.14 (Mojave) uses a new file system that isn’t visible to OS 10.12 or earlier. To use it conveniently will require more new hardware. The new Mac Minis are not very attractive for the price, so we are considering options. Besides cash, it’s a matter of desk and shelf space, and what we use for daily business. I personally still like OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion) better than all. It’s the last version that allows files with color bars. Upgrading will be a downgrade for my own personal file management.
Before TurtleSoft ships Goldenseal Pro, we need to make a decision about which SDK to use for the final release. It limits which computers can run the app.
Right now, it looks like the best option will be to require either 10.12 (Sierra) or 10.13 (High Sierra). Hearing from users will help. Mac OS version updates are free, but at some point they require a hardware update. There’s no way Goldenseal Pro can run on OS 10.8, but 10.11 is doable. Maybe 10.10. Even if we use an older SDK, it’s still good that we are building on newer OS versions now. It helps catch bugs, and ensures that Goldenseal Pro will migrate easily to future updates.
A couple weeks ago we were making good progress on breakdown tables. Since then, most days have been consumed by installations and testing. Fortunately, final setup is growing near. It will be nice to get back to regular programming again. Making code do tricks is much more fun than downloads and settings for the 6th or 7th time.
From here on out. TurtleSoft will run entirely on SSDs instead of hard drives. They are zippy.
Dennis Kolva
Programming Director
TurtleSoft.com